'This has nothing to do with race': Trump responds to backlash over NFL protest comments

President Donald Trump on Sunday responded to the growing
backlash he's facing from prominent members of the NFL and the
football community at large over his suggestion that players who
kneel during the national anthem should be fired.

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The practice first gained attention last year when former San
Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick knelt during the
anthem to protest what he said was the oppression of minorities
and people of color in the US.

The move sparked a heated debate, with Kaepernick's supporters
saying he had the right to protest perceived mistreatment by the
government, and opponents saying it was disrespectful to American
values.

Trump has vocally criticized the practice. "If a player
wants the privilege of making millions of dollars in the NFL, or
other leagues, he or she should not be allowed to disrespect our
Great American Flag (or Country) and should stand for the
National Anthem," Trump
tweeted on Saturday. "If not, YOU'RE FIRED. Find
something else to do!"

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When asked on Sunday whether he felt like his comments were
inflaming racial tensions, Trump replied, "This has noting to do
with race. I never said anything about race. This has nothing to
do with race or anything else. This has to do with respect for
our country and respect for our flag."

He also responded to Robert Kraft's statement, in which the
Patriots owner said he was "deeply disappointed by the tone of
the comments made by the president on Friday."

"I am proud to be associated with so many players who make such
tremendous contributions in positively impacting our
communities," Kraft added. "Their efforts, both on and off the
field, help bring people together and make our community
stronger."

Kraft also said he supported his players' right to protest.

"There is no greater unifier in this country than sports, and
unfortunately, nothing more divisive than politics," Kraft said.
"I think our political leaders could learn a lot from the lessons
of teamwork and the importance of working together toward a
common goal. Our players are intelligent, thoughtful, and care
deeply about our community and I support their right to
peacefully affect social change and raise awareness in a manner
that they feel is most impactful."

Asked to respond to Kraft's comments, Trump said, "Look, that's
okay. he has to take his ideas and go with what he wants."

"I like Bob very much, we're friends - he gave me a Super Bowl
ring a month ago, right? - so he's a good friend of mine, and I
want him to do what he wants to do" Trump said, and reiterated
his belief that kneeling during the national anthem was a sign of
disrespect towards the country and those who represent it.

When asked whether he still believes that players who kneel
during the anthem should be fired, Trump said, "I certainly think
the owners should do something about it."

He added that there was "great solidarity" during Sunday's games,
though the comment appears to contrast with several teams' and
players' decision Sunday to protest Trump's
comments before their respective games.